The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman

 

The Llama Who Had No Pajama: 100 Favorite Poems by Mary Ann Hoberman

 

Bibliography:

Hoberman, Mary Ann, and Betty Fraser. 1998. The llama who had no pajama: 100 favorite poems. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Co.

ISBN: 0152055711

Plot Summary: This is a collection of poems by Mary Ann Hoberman illustrated by Betty Fraser. Within the book, there are over 100 poems that range from Hello and Good-bye to Applesauce and Comparisons. These poems range in readability and leave the young reader wanting more. They tell the tales of timeless childhood experiences while encouraging readers to learn about new information in the form of a poem. There are poems about insects and animals that will appeal to all readers. Teachers are extended the opportunity to enhance lessons through the use of poetry with this collection of poems. The colorful illustrations that accompany each poem also enhance the collection of poems and draw the reader into the subject.

Critical Analysis: This collection of  poetry includes 100 favorite poems and is perfect for  readers of all ages. Hoberman uses a variety of topics to engage readers and each poem has its own rhythm and rhyme scheme and in many instances repetition of sounds. The text gives information about animals, food, and everyday situations that can apply to all children. For example, in the poem that is based off of the title of the collection, it talks about the llama that has no pajamas and conveys a sense of emotion in which the llama feels sad in the beginning of the poem because he has outgrown his pajamas. The poem states "In a voice that was deep with despair; O llamaly mama I need a pajama". However, throughout the poem, the llamas mood changes  because he realizes that he does not need to sleep in pajamas to have a good night's sleep and the poem resolves with the question of "Should llamas be wearing pajamas?". The other poems in the story are based off of animals and they use rich vocabulary in which the reader is introduced to scientific vocabulary. There are also poems about manners and comparisons. Through each poem Hoberman uses imagery to create a mental picture in the readers mind. For example in the poem, The Gazelle, there is a heavy use of alliteration, imagery, and repetition. The poem states:

 "O gaze on the graceful gazelle as it grazes. It grazes on green growing leaves and on grasses. On grasses it grazes, go gaze as it passes. It passes so gracefully, gently, O gaze!"

This creates a colorful mental picture in which the reader is able to visualize a gazelle grazing in a savannah.

This collection of poetry is arranged and organized in an easy to read format and allows children to read and learn about various topics through the use of poetry. The words and language are arranged in meaningful ways that allow the reader to make connections to their everyday lives. Each poem is also accompanied with a poem that enhances the readability and helps the reader to create background knowledge.

Review Excerpts:

·         From School Library Journal - "Hoberman's rhythms are lively and agile, and her imagination and sense of humor are still in tune with young readers. Fraser's simple but detailed gouache and watercolor illustrations exhibit the same qualities . . . Good for beginning or experienced readers of poetry, this should indeed become a favorite."

·         From The Horn Book - "This collection of some forty years of Hoberman verse is a charmer."

 

Connections/Activities:

 

·         This book can be used as a supplement when examining insects and animals within a science unit.

·         Students can create their own poem based off of an animal or insect featured within the text.

·         Students can dissect the poem using the elements/characteristics of poetry. For example, students can examine the repetition, rhyme scheme, sound, and uses of language within the poem.

·         Select other poems by Mary Ann Hoberman:

o   The Seven Silly Eaters - 0152024409

o   A House is a House for Me - 0142407739

o   Miss Mary Mack - 0316366420

·         Related Texts:

o   The Arnold Lobel Book of Mother Goose: A Treasury of More Than 300 Classic Nursury Rhymes by Arnold Lobel - 0679887369

Personal Connection:

Before completing this book review, I had not heard of this author or book. After reading, I can think of numerous ways to adapt it into lessons in my third grade classroom. I think that students will fall in love with this book, and be able to make/create many connections within the text.